Why are pool balls red and yellow? | Notes and Queries | guardian.co.uk Why are pool balls red and yellow? Julia Smith, Ipswich Suffolk Because if they were green you would keep losing them. Phil Cohen, Sydney Australia ... but I have a feeling pool tables use blue, not green??? Scottie, Sheffield UK The styles of pool played in the UK are derived from American 8 Ball and also called 8 ball or "Blackball" to distinguish it from other versions of pocket billiards. Since the nomination of a particular ball is not necessary for a legitimate pot the individual colours and numbers were dispensed with in favour of distinct colours. Red's wavelength makes it very visible and for greatest contrast among the common six primary and secondary pigment colours, yellow contrasts most with it (imagine blue and green together in poor light or the use of red and green when the most common condition of colour blindness merges these two colours). Interestingly, the Word Pool-Billiard Federation illustrates the alternative colour schemes of blue and yellow balls in its official rules.

As for the colour of the cloth, green is more common on this type of table (blue being more common on American tables) David Cockling, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK I am reminded of a "blonde" story I heard decades ago. Now that such things are in their "post-ironic" period, it can be told without fear. A blonde typist delivering some work to the CEO's office spotted a cue-ball and an eight-ball on his desk. She asked what they were, and he said: "Pool balls. I shoot pool in my spare time." The next week the typist happened to be delivering another draft to the CEO, and noticed that there were now a red ball and a yellow ball on his desk. "Why, Mr Smith!" she exclaimed. "You've shot another pool!" Paul Thompson, Perth, Scotland If David Cockling cares to look up 'Pocket Billiards' in Urban Dictionary via Google he learn that the colour of the balls is irrelevant as they would be hidden from vulgar gaze. One hopes. Pete Wigens, Stroud, Glos UK Imagine the unseemly squabbles that would break out were the balls to be all of the same colour.

Pete Wigens, Stroud, Glos, UK Funny. Mine go blue or a deep rose pink, depending on how cold the water is. Steven Beercock, Enna Italy Where I come from pool balls are numbered. The high numbers have stripes and the low numbers do not John Ellen, Rupanyup Australia I'm now retired from the Amusement Trade... One reason the pool balls were changed to two colours was that it was easy to replace Red or Yellow balls if one went missing. Rather than break a set up just for one numbered ball. Ron Martin , Worthing England My late father Malc Ferris introduced red and yellow balls to the UK pool scene back in 1980, whilst working for Javelin Pool. He brought them over from Belgium where they were originally produced. Lee Ferris, Manchester UK The Definitive Guide to Pool Balls Billiards Billiard Resource Center The Definitive Guide to Pool Balls The Definitive Guide to Pool Balls Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Pool Balls (If You Ever Wanted to Know Anything About Pool Balls) Author: Curt Riedy We strongly encourage any reader who finds this information beneficial to share it with their friends or other interested parties.

Our readers are encouraged to link to this article from their own websites. 8-Ball: Transcending the Game It's a big world, and there's a lot of balls out there, especially when it comes to the game of pool. Sure, a lot of us may only be familiar with their primary American uses (e.g. use the white cue ball to hit, choose between stripes and solids, get the 8-Ball in last, etc), but some of you may be surprised by the history of the pool ball itself, as well as the varying weights, sizes and colors used in the different forms of billiards out there, ranging from carom, snooker, to what many of us have come to know as the traditional game of eight-ball. The History of Pool / Billiard Balls: Since the game's inception in the 15th Century, billiard balls have been made from many different materials, such as clay, bakelite, celluloid, crystallite, ivory, plastic, steel and the earliest form, wood. From 1627 to the mid-20th century, the most dominant of billiard ball material was ivory.

The search for a substitute for ivory use was, oddly enough, not for environmental concerns but based mostly on lowering the high production costs and the growing fear for the safety of those poor, sympathetic elephant hunters. After the reign of ivory, the 1900's brought the first viable pool ball substitute, celluloid. Unfortunately, celluloid only achieved minimal success to due to the fact that it often exploded during the delivery, which many people tend to frown upon. Thanks to the success of brands like Aramith , the most popular material used in billiard balls today is phenolic resin, which is closely followed by polyester and various other polymers. The Major Differences: Many unique variations of the game of billiards have been created throughout the world. Because of this, many different versions exist of the billiard ball itself, all varying in number, type, diameter, color, and pattern. It all depends upon the specific game being played. . Here's a quick breakdown of the balls associated with some of the world's most popular billiard games. American-Style Balls: Size: 2 1/4 in. Weight: 5 1/2 - 6 oz.

In the US, the term "billiard balls" generally refers to balls used to play various pocket billiard games such as eight-ball , nine-ball and one-pocket. In the UK, the American version of the billiard ball is referred to as "Kelly pool". In an average game of 8-Ball, Balls # 1 - 7 are often referred to as solids, with balls # 9 - 15 being the stripes. Despite having a similar look, the 8-Ball is set apart from the rest of the solids due to its unique significance within the American game of pool. Visual Number/Color Breakdown: Snooker Balls: Standard Size: 21⁄8 in (52.5 mm). An extremely unique form of billiards, Snooker is played using a white cue ball, 15 red balls, as well as 6 additional balls of various colors. The red balls are racked in a fashion similar to the American game of 8-Ball, with the six assorted colors aligned to specific positions along the table. Once one of the red balls is pocketed, a player can choose to hit one of the colored balls, which are each assigned a different point value.

This point value is as follows: Yellow Ball - 2 points Carom Billiard Balls: Standard Size: 27⁄16 inches (61.5 mm). One of the oldest forms of the game, the balls used in carom billiards consist of only 3 colors; red, yellow, and white. The white ball is often engraved with a red or black circle which is meant to aid in targeting. Carom has traditionally been a unique three-ball game that is actually played on a pocket-less table. The name "carom" itself stems from a shortening of carambola, which was earlier used to describe the red object ball that is often used in many billiards games. English Blackball (British-Style Balls): Standard Size: 21⁄8 in (52.5 mm). This particular style of billiards is played with seven yellow balls and seven red balls. Unlike Snooker or the American game of billiards, all balls on the table are unnumbered with the exception of the 8-Ball, which is referred to in this particular game as "the blackball". The Brand Names to Look For: Why are certain brand names important? The answer is simple. Reliability.

Several specific ball properties, such as hardness, friction coefficient and resilience, are all very important to gameplay. We can't stress enough how important playing with a quality set of billiard balls is. First and foremost, if you only know learn one name in pool balls, make sure its Aramith . While several other respected names such as Elephant and Sterling can be found on the market, Aramith are the only balls made of pure phenolic resin, allowing them to last up to 5 times longer than most other balls, which are often made from polyester and other polymers. Phenolic resin is a synthetic material featuring qualities that are resistant to chemicals, moisture, impact and heat; making it an ideal solution for applications where painted steel, wood and plastic laminate just wouldn't hold up. These exceptional characteristics have made Aramith a staple in the world of professional billiards, and used in practically each and every tournament played worldwide. Custom Balls: When it comes to custom billiard balls , names like Aramith, Vigma, and Elephant have become the well-respected brands to trust when a player is ready to separate their pool balls from the rest of the crowd.

A leader in innovative billiards, Elephant's Beautiful Pool Balls have been featured as the official tournament ball of several ESPN championships, including the Ultimate 9-Ball Challenge and the Women's Tournament of Champions. Their line of unique products also include their striking Lunar Rocks pool ball set , which was designed specifically for the 2001 Eddie Murphy film, "The Adventures of Pluto Nash". Another notable design amongst pool balls is the increasingly popular design known as the "TV Ball". These balls (which include the pink and tan variants of American-style billiards) are often used in televised pool games, and are colored differently to make them easily identifiable on television monitors. TV Balls are also responsible for introducing the cue ball affectionately known as "the measle ball", which contains numerous spots on its surface that allow viewers to identify when spin is placed on it. Transcending the Game - The Impact of the 8-Ball: Finally, we couldn't do a fully comprehensive guide to Pool Balls without stressing the unique relevance of the 8-Ball. Perhaps the most iconic billiard ball, the 8-Ball is the last ball to be pocketed in the American version of the appropriately named game of eight-ball.

Itï¿½s name and image of this particular ball transcends far beyond the game of billiards itself, appearing in the form of fortune-telling toys, paperweights, keychains, gag gifts , and unfortunately, slang terms for drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth (which is most certainly not the kind of 8-Ball we sell here at BorderBilliards.com). Its popularity is known to stem from its darker, more foreboding color (which some tend to identify with a unique, isolated personality), and it's familiarity as "the money ball" within the game. Whatever your favorite type of pool ball is, we wish you the best of luck in finding the billiard balls that are ideal for you, your game, and your individual playing style. Billiard & Pool Balls | Ozone Billiards Home > Pool & Billiard Balls Pool & Billiard Balls When it comes to playing a round of billiards, having high-quality balls can add to the excitement of the game. We carry a vast selection of billiard balls to meet the demands of any player whether beginner or professional. Our diverse inventory offers full sets of standard pool balls, Aramith balls, and NFL balls.

We also carry snooker balls, carom balls, training balls, and much more. We can even create custom pool ball sets to meet your needs! You can replace individual balls if any of yours get lost or damaged, buy personalized cue balls or pool ball sets as a gift, or upgrade to a set of Aramith Tournament balls. Aside from the high-quality balls we offer, we also offer ball cleaning systems to help you extend the life and appearance of your ball sets. Whether looking for MLB balls to show your team spirit, graphic design balls with your choice of emblem, or a novelty ball such as a golden eight ball, we have you covered with our affordable selections. Add one of these balls to your next game today! pool balls | eBay pool balls: Get it on or before Thu, Jan. 26 SPONSORED FREE Gift, FAST Shipping & GUARANTEED Lowest Price! $135.88 100' of Items in Store We Have Multi Purchase Discounts $42.45 100' of Items in Store We Have Multi Purchase Discounts $39.95 Get it on or before Thu, Jan.

26 SPONSORED 100' of Items in Store We Have Multi Purchase Discounts $42.45 FREE Gift, FAST Shipping & GUARANTEED Lowest Price! $295.37 Get it on or before Tue, Jan. 24 SPONSORED 1 2 3 4 5 eBay determines this price through a machine learned model of the product's sale prices within the last 90 days. eBay determines trending price through a machine learned model of the product’s sale prices within the last 90 days. "New" refers to a brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item, and "Used" refers to an item that has been used previously. Top Rated Plus Sellers with highest buyer ratings Returns, money back Sellers with highest buyer ratings Returns, money back How to setup pool balls How to setup pool balls Step by step: How to setup pool balls How to setup pool balls. OK, so you lost the game, which means it is your turn to rack the balls. Don't worry; this is how to setup pool balls. First, stand on one of the shorter ends of the pool table and place the triangle apex (one of the triangle corners) on the dot.

The other two corners should face you. Second, place the yellow one-ball on the dot in the corner facing the opposite short side of the pool table. Third, put one striped and one solid in each of the other triangle corners. It does not matter which corner is striped and which corner is solid, but make sure that one is striped and one is solid. Fourth, randomly put the rest of the pool balls in the triangle, but make sure to put the eight-ball in the middle of the third row as displayed in picture below. It is also recommended that you don't cluster solids and stripes as it may give the breaker an advantage. Fifth, make sure the pool balls are snug by inserting your fingers between the triangle and balls, pushing the lowest row of five balls towards the other balls. Then remove the triangle slowly. You are ready to play pool! PS. When you are done, it should look something like this: More information Pool Balls Game Categories Pool Balls At Masters Traditional Games, we like to offer the best in breed and also some less expensive but still reasonable quality alternatives, where possible. When it comes to Pool balls, this can get complicated because there are in fact four types of Pool ball available, depending upon your requirements.

Please read the options carefully before choosing... The original style American Pool balls with numbers and spots and stripes can be used to play a variety of pool games. We recommend that, if in doubt, you select numbered Pool balls because this will offer more variety in the long term. In British pubs, since the game of Eight Ball Pool is so ubiquitous, quite often a set of yellow and red balls are used. These clearly distinguish the two sets of balls in play but the disadvantage is that no other Pool games can be played with them. 2 & 1/4 inch balls are full size for use on full size American Pool tables. 2 inch balls are usually used with 7 foot tables. 1 & 7/8 inch balls tend to be used with 6 foot tables. See also our excellent range of Snooker Balls . Engraved Pool Balls These are the top-of-the range Pool Balls. They are recommended for serious players, Pool halls and any public area where the Pool table will be used a lot. Made in Belgium by the world's leading Billiard manufacturer, Aramith, the numbers are engraved right through the ball like a stick of rock.

So if you cut the ball in half, you would see that the pattern goes right through the ball. This means that the pattern will not wear away over time like screen-printed balls. The high quality material used means that they are also consistent in density throughout the ball and they will last considerably longer than any other type of ball. They are more expensive but you pay for what you get. Set 2 & 1/4 inch numbered Pool balls (Aramith engraved) Despite our best efforts, stock information for this product is sometimes out of date. Ring or email us for current availability. Or order now and we will dispatch the item as soon as it is obtained (we will let you know if there will be a long delay). Eng/Wales ETA: 3 working days Prod.Ref: 001W9K ENGLISH POOL ASSOCIATION The Game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:- A "Cue Ball" - being a white ball. Fifteen "Object Balls" - consisting of:- "Colours" - being a group of seven red balls, (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered 9 to 15).

The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball marked with a number "8". A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:- The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would intersect with a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket. The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line", being a straight line, drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Spot. Definitions Shot: A "Shot" begins when all balls stop moving from the previous Shot. A player "Plays a Shot" by striking the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue. A "Shot" ends when all balls stop moving from the current Shot. Play: To "Play" an Object Ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball's first contact with another ball to be with that Object Ball. To "Play" the Cue Ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.

Ball On: At any time during a frame, a ball "On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty. Pot: A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket. Visit: A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a ball "On". (Or until a foul is committed or the frame ends) Turn: A players "Turn" at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits. Frame: A Frame is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A Frame is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted. (Note: there are other ways that a frame may end - see "Loss of Frame") A player may concede a frame at any time. Match: A Match is a predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players.

Player in Control: A player (and the player's partner in doubles) is deemed to be "In Control" of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent's turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the player's turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that someone is not in control. Object of the Game The object of the game is to win by being the first player to Pot a group of Colours in any order and in any pockets and then Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket. When "On" a group of Colours, potting more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed. But a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game. Playing from Baulk Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end of the table. When playing from Baulk:- The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot is played.

(If the centre point of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in Baulk.) The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand or with the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the tip of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played. The Cue Ball may be played in any direction. If a player wishes to play from Baulk after a �Foul Snooker�, �Foul Jaw Snooker� or "Time Foul":- The player must verbally advise the referee of this choice and the referee will then recover the Cue Ball and hand it to the player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand. After an "In Off", �Foul Snooker�, �Foul Jaw Snooker� or "Time Foul" the player must endeavour to position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker.

If the player claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the referee may choose to move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether such a position is found or not, the referee will announce the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand. The Break The Object Balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot. In the absence of any competition / tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to determine which player will break. If a series of frames is to be played (A Match), the break of each subsequent frame will alternate. The first shot of a frame is called the "Break". To "Break", the Cue Ball is played at the triangle of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant that the Cue Ball is played The Break will be deemed a "Fair Break" if:- At least one Colour is potted. AND/OR Four Object Balls (at least) are driven to a cushion.

If the Break is not a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul and:- The opponent is awarded two visits. The balls are re-racked. The opponent re-starts the game and is under the same obligation to achieve a Fair Break. If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent. If the break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair Break applies. (See (b) above). If the Eight-Ball is potted on any break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again. When the Eight-Ball is potted on the break, all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul or breech of the "Spirit of the Game occurs) Legal Shot On all shots, the player must:- Cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "On", AND THEN Pot a ball "On" OR; Cause the Cue Ball or any Object Ball to contact a cushion. Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul.

Exceptions: On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply. {See (F) The Break} When playing out of a Total Snooker a player is only obliged to meet the conditions of (1)(a) above. Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when it is impossible to play any part of any of the player's own Colour by way of a "straight line" shot. Leaving an opponent in a Total Snooker is not a foul. If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a ruling. If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the "Legal Shot" rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause the Cue Ball's initial contact to be with a ball "On". The requirement to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived. In a Total Snooker, the straight sections of the cushions DO come into consideration. If a player has to strike a cushion prior to impact with a "ball on", then a "Total Snooker" does exist.

Interpretations: If the Cue Ball's initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot. If the Cue Ball and an Object Ball are touching the same cushion, simply forcing the Cue Ball and / or that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot. Deciding Colours General When Colours have not been decided the table is deemed to be "Open". When the table is open a player may play at either group of Colours. Colours can never be decided on a foul shot. Once Colours are decided, the player remains "On" that coloured group for the duration of the frame. The opponent remains "On" the opposite coloured group. Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose of deciding Colours. On the Break If no Colours are potted on the break the table is "Open". If one or more Colours are potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding.

Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an "Open" table. If the player nominates a Colour that was potted on the break, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. If the player nominates a Colour that was not potted on the break, to be on that Colour, the player must pot a ball of that Colour on the next shot. After the Break If a player pots one or more balls of the same Colour, the player is then "On" that Colour. If a player pots one or more balls of different Colours, the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Once a colour is nominated in these circumstances, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. Failure to nominate is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule, the opponent faces an "Open" table. Time Allowed A player has a maximum of sixty seconds to play each shot. The Referee will start timing when all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.

If the first thirty seconds elapses before a shot is played, the referee will call "Thirty Seconds" as a warning to the player. This call must be made the instant the thirty seconds has expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it appears that the player is about to play a shot. If a shot is not played within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard Foul. The incoming player is awarded two visits from:- Where the Cue Ball lies, or, if the player wishes From Baulk. The referee may decide to grant "Time Out", being a period when timing ceases:- At the request of a player. (For example, something is obstructing the player or the player needs to leave the playing area.) and / or Because the referee deems that it is warranted. (For example, the referee may call time out when making a close foul snooker decision or when searching for a piece of equipment requested by the player.) When the referee has racked the balls the referee will call �Time Running�. The oncoming player then must play the break shot within 60 seconds. Fouls There are four types of foul.

Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalised for one foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply. Exceptions: In the case of a Serious Foul and a Time Foul, the incoming player has the right to "Ball in hand". The penalty for a Time Foul still applies, even though a Serious Foul has been called and applied. In the case of a Serious Foul and a Foul Break, the incoming player has the right to "Ball in hand". The penalty for a Foul Break still applies, even though a Serious Foul has been called and applied. Standard Fouls Standard fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The referee then awards two visits to the opponent. Potting the Cue Ball - "In Off" { except on a Fair Break - see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1) }.

The incoming player plays from Baulk { see (E) Playing from Baulk (d)(1) } Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. { see (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(a) } Potting an opponent's ball. (except, when it is the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker) Failing to cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball, to be with a ball "On". Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other than the tip. Accidentally striking an Object Ball with any part of the cue. Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from the previous shot. Playing a shot before any balls that require spotting, have been spotted. Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit or unlit) in hand or mouth. Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table. Touching the table while having a beverage container in hand. Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table. Touching the table when not in control of the frame.

{See (C) Definitions (9) - Player in Control} Exception: When a players� turn is finished, that player has a maximum of ten (10) seconds to move away from the table. {See 11 below} Not moving away from the table within ten (10) seconds of the time that all the balls stopped moving from the final shot of a turn at the table. Coaching: - During a frame, a player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons relating to the playing of the frame. Should a team member or bone-fide supporter of a player offer advice, the referee will issue a "First and Final Warning" to that person that a repetition will result in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee may issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any statement made to a player, other than general barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament setting, a First and Final warning may be given once only, before the commencement of the day's play as a block warning to all players and spectators. Leaving the playing area without permission.

If a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame or match, "Time Out" must firstly be granted by the referee. { see (I) Time Allowed (5) } Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do so existed. { see (H) Deciding Colours (1)(d) } Playing A Push Shot or Double Hit of a type defined in (O) Push Shots and Double Hits. Failing to perform a "Legal Shot". { see (G)Legal Shot } After being awarded a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker: - Playing an opponents ball or the Eight Ball without firstly nominating that ball. Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor. Failing to "Play Away" from a touching ball. { see (T) Touching Balls (1)(a) } A ball remaining off the table. {see (U) Balls Off the Table} Players body or clothing touching any ball. Accidental Jump shot, miscue, or when forcing the cue ball to a cushion and the rebound jumps a ball.

(If the Cue ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object ball that would have been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that object ball). A break shot that results in the pack being jumped will be deemed to be not a Fair Break (see 4b). Also note M5 serious fouls Non-Standard Fouls Non-Standard fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest.. The referee will then impose the relevant penalty. Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the penalty and / or options of the incoming player may vary. Failure to perform a Fair Break. { see (F) The Break (4)(a)&(b) } Failure to play a shot within 60 seconds of the time that the balls came to rest from the previous shot. { see (I) Time Allowed (4) } Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break.

{ see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1) } Serious Standard Fouls Serious Fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the Serious Foul was committed and award two visits to the opponent. Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately). A player who plays a shot at any time during a frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of turn. (For Example, A player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or immediately after the referee has called a foul on that player, has played out of turn.) Exception: - a shot played out of turn accidentally, that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the Referee deems it impossible to replace them, the referee will give the opponent the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed the same player is to break again. Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue.

Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that which may result from playing a normal shot. Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than the tip of the cue. Deliberate jump shot caused by elevating the cue on the shot, and forcing the cue ball to rebound from the bed of the table and causing the Cue Ball to Jump over any ball. (If the Cue ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object ball that would have been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that object ball) Also note K22 standard fouls. Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponent�s play. Loss of Frame Fouls Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted. (Except on the Break) Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of the player's own Colour are still on the table. (Except on the Break) Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball or balls of the player's own Colour in the same shot. Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.

Committing a Serious Foul that disrupts the balls to such an extent that the Referee deems it impossible to replace them as close as possible to their original positions. Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre. If a player breeches the "Spirit of the Game" to such an extent that the frame (or match) should be awarded to the opponent. Push Shots and Double Hits Definitions: Most shots commonly known as "Push Shots" in the game of "Snooker" are allowed in the game of Eight - Ball Pool. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come into contact with the Cue Ball more than once. Exceptions that are Standard Fouls:- When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the referee is able to actually see each contact. When, during the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.

When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object Ball. {See (S) Touching Balls} Snookers Definition: A player is Snookered when it is impossible to play the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player's own Colour by way of a "straight - line" shot. Snookering an opponent is not a foul. A player cannot be Snookered by a ball of the player's own Colour. That is, if one of the player's own coloured group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of determining a Snooker. A player cannot be Snookered on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball is touching that Object Ball. A player cannot be Snookered by the straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker on that Object Ball. If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved section of a cushion (Jaw), this in itself does not constitute a Snooker.

Foul Snookers Definition: When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results in the incoming player being snookered, the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered. If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the referee for a ruling. If the referee rules that a foul snooker exists, the player initially has the following options:- Play the Cue Ball from where it lies. {see (4) (a) below} OR Ask the referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player to play from Baulk. {see (4) (b) below} If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies, the player may, if the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball (but see (5) below) or any one of the opponent's Colour. The player can nominate a particular ball by verbal description of it or its position or by pointing at it. The Referee may ask for further information if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated. Once nominated, a ball is deemed to "become one" of the player's Colour for the first shot of the first visit.

The player may then play any of the player's own Colour or the nominated ball. If any of the player's Colour and/or the nominated ball is potted, the player continues with the first visit. If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2) (d) & (2) (e) should be followed. If the referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4) (a) above. If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it will mean loss of frame. If a player is "On" the Eight Ball and Foul Snookered: - The player may play a nominated ball or the Eight Ball and pot either or both of these balls, directly or indirectly, in any pocket or pockets. Assuming the player does not commit a foul:- If neither the Eight Ball nor the nominated ball is potted, the player's first visit is complete. If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the player continues with the first visit.

If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player wins the frame. If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball is not, the player wins the frame. If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is touching an opponent's ball or balls, the player may, but is not obliged to, nominate one of those touching balls. Foul Jaw Snooker If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball comes to rest on or near a Jaw (curved part of a cushion), and that Jaw is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player's own Colour by way of a "straight - line" shot, the player is deemed to be Foul Snookered and all the rules pertaining to Foul Snookers will apply. Touching Balls General If the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the player is obliged to "Play Away" from that Object Ball at an angle of more than 90 degrees.

(That is, play the shot without causing the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact with that Object Ball) If, when playing away from a touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves without being contacted further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no longer there, no penalty will apply. When Colours have been decided:- Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour:- The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the player's own Colour, the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot. Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the opponent's Colour:- The player must play away from the touching ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot. Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when "On" the Eight Ball:- The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot. Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not "On" the Eight Ball.:- The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:- If any of the touching Object Balls are of the player's Colour, the player will be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one of the touching balls of the player's Colour. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot. If none of the touching Object Balls are of the player�s coloured group, the player must play away from all the touching balls and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot. When Colours have yet to be decided:- Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball:- The instant a player plays away from a touching Coloured Ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot. Playing away from a touching Eight Ball:- The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.

Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:- If the player plays away from any of the touching Coloured Balls the player is deemed to have played that ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching Object Balls. The player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot. Balls Off the Table It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface or doesn't return by its own means. Definitions / Examples "Playing Surface":- The Playing Surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions "By its own means":- It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into a pocket. It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not a part of the table and then returns to the playing surface. "Off the Table":- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest on other than the playing surface. (e.g.

On the floor or on the top of a cushion) "Spotted":- A ball is spotted when its centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If this is not possible, as near as is possible to the spot, in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the baulk line. If any of the following balls require spotting, they are spotted in the following order:- Eight Ball then Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order) then Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 to 15 in numerical order) Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible, without touching. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the table:- If it is the Cue Ball it is to be played from Baulk. If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is to be Spotted.

Balls Falling Without Being Hit Any ball that falls into a pocket at any time, without being struck, shall be replaced by the Referee to its original position, no penalty. Time will be re-started and the player in control continues with the visit. Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played and before balls come to rest, providing the fallen ball played no part in the shot, once all other balls have stopped moving, it shall be replaced as described above. If a legal pot was made play continues with the same visit. If no pot was made play continues with the next visit. If a foul was made then the next player will continue with the appropriate penalty.

Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played, but before balls come to rest, and the fallen ball would have been struck, then the Referee will replace all balls to their original positions If no infringements of the rules were committed during the shot, or if the cue ball is potted as a result of a ball falling that the cue ball would have otherwise hit, the player who played will replay the shot or may play a different shot If any foul was committed (other than as defined in a) above) then the next player will continue with the appropriate penalty. Interference

Question: What number is the yellow ball in a numbered set of pool balls?
Answer: 1